Committee adopts online event portal for centennial registration; discusses Zelle and day-of payment options

The Port Richey City Centennial Committee reviewed and approved the launch of an online event portal and QR-code payment workflow for Centennial events, allowing multi-event registration and payment in a single checkout. Staff demonstrated the portal during the meeting and confirmed the city would receive purchaser details and account-code information to allocate revenue by event.

Staff said each event will carry a distinct account code so payments can be tracked into the correct budget buckets; committee members asked that staff provide spreadsheets with registrant details and purchases for event-day check-in. The portal includes convenience fees charged by the vendor, which will appear to payers at checkout.

The group discussed alternative payment methods. Staff explained a Zelle capability could reduce fees but requires city bank account configuration that, in their description, uses a debit card and introduces operational controls and limits. Staff said they planned to raise the Zelle option with the City Council to evaluate implementation and security. The committee also discussed day-of cash and check handling: staff will accept checks on-site, provide written receipts, and process those payments into the portal accounting if needed.

Committee members asked that staff post QR codes and event entries immediately so vendors and attendees can register; staff said the portal supports multiple event selections and would produce registrant details for staff to download and reconcile.